Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Long-lasting pain in the lower abdomen, groin, anal area or genital area may not be just a local problem; it can be related to sensitization of the entire pelvic system and nerve network. In women, it is associated with endometriosis or pelvic muscle dysfunction; in men, with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (also called chronic prostatitis). This picture usually involves muscle spasms, nerve sensitivity and impaired muscle coordination. Pelvic floor physiotherapy targets both the musculoskeletal system and the autonomic nervous system, focusing on understanding the source of the pain and on functional recovery. Even when the cause hasn't been found for a long time, this kind of pain can be managed with a holistic assessment and individualized therapy.
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If the Pain Won't Go Away, the Cause May Be Your Pelvic Floor.

What Is Chronic Pelvic Pain?

In both women and men, recurring or constant pain in the groin, lower abdomen, genital area, tailbone or around the anus that lasts longer than 6 months is defined as “chronic pelvic pain.” There may not be a single cause; it can arise from the interaction of many systems, such as the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, urinary tract or digestive system.

Why Does It Happen, and Why Doesn't It Go Away?

Birth trauma, surgery, past infections, bowel problems, urinary tract sensitivity, muscle spasms and even stress and emotional tension can cause this pain. The longer the pain lasts, the more the perception system between the brain and body changes, and the pain becomes not just a physical problem but one that has settled into the nervous system.

How Does Physiotherapy Help It Heal?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers a multifaceted approach that includes muscle assessment, a balance of relaxation and activation, breathing work, nervous system regulation and postural awareness. With this individually planned therapy, quality of life improves both by getting to the source of the pain and by building pain-coping skills.

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Common and Treatable

According to research, chronic pelvic pain affects 15–20% of women and 2–10% of men; in women it is often linked to endometriosis and muscle dysfunction, and in men to chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

"After I urinate, there's a strange burning and a feeling of fullness."
"I constantly feel pressure and heaviness in my lower abdomen."
"I've had so many tests, and nothing showed up."
Grinberg K, Sela Y, Nissanholtz-Gannot R. New Insights about Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS). Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Apr 26;17(9):3005. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17093005. PMID: 32357440; PMCID: PMC7246747.

Chronic Pelvic Pain FAQ

It is pain in the lower abdomen, groin, anal area or genital area that has lasted longer than 6 months and affects daily life. It can originate from the muscles, nerves, bladder or bowel.

Yes, because the source of pain is not always structural. Functional problems related to the musculoskeletal system, nerve sensitivity and stress can also keep pain going.

Prostate tests usually come back clear, and most of the time there is no infection or inflammation. A diagnosis of “chronic prostatitis” or “chronic pelvic pain syndrome” is linked to pelvic floor muscle spasms and nerve sensitivity.

Yes, because the source of the pain is often pelvic floor muscles that stay contracted, or sensory hypersensitivity. Physiotherapy can help the muscles relax and regulate the nervous system.

This may be related to postural loading of the pelvic floor, muscle spasms or nerve compression. After an assessment, your symptoms are eased with appropriate exercises and manual therapy.

No, it is not purely psychological, but the nervous system and emotional stress can make the pain worse. By supporting the mind-body connection, physiotherapy provides both physical and emotional relief.

Manual therapy, breathing work, pelvic floor exercises, relaxation techniques and approaches that balance the nervous system are used. An individualized plan is created for each person.

Being strong doesn't always mean being functional. Muscles that stay overly contracted can also cause pain, which is why the focus is on “balance.” In other words, feeling that your muscles are strong doesn't mean they actually have enough strength.

No! With the right assessment and holistic therapy, it is possible to cope with this pain and even eliminate it completely.

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Author: , Specialist Physiotherapist

Last updated:

The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor and physiotherapist about your symptoms.

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